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Ingrown Toenails

Some people can go through life without ever facing issues related to their toenails. However, others are not so lucky. One of the most common issues our team at Great Neck Family Foot Care deals with is the development of ingrown toenails. While they are often not a serious medical threat, there are times when intervention from our podiatrist is required to help you make a full recovery. To learn more about this condition and how we can help, please consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Alec Hochstein.

What Are Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails take place when the outer-parts of the nail grows into and under the surrounding skin. Although your big toenail is the most likely to become ingrown, any nail can become subject to this if you do not properly care for it. There are times where this scenario will resolve itself on its own. However, when complications begin, our podiatrist Dr. Hochstein will be able to help.

Potential Complications

As previously stated, most cases of ingrown toenails can resolve themselves on their own. That doesn’t mean complications can’t arise, however. If you let an ingrown toenail linger for too long, you put yourself at risk for dealing with some unfortunate issues. Some of the most common complications you can face may include:

  • The skin next to your nail becomes tender, swollen, or hard.
  • Inability to place pressure on the toe without pain.
  • Pus oozing from the nail.

Treatment And Prevention

When you’re unable to deal with ingrown toenails on your own, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your team for help. We are well versed in this area and can help you treat the issue and prevent them from recurring in the future. This process can involve the below:

  • Prescription-strength medication to fight off any infections that developed.
  • Surgically removing the ingrown nail when it is severe enough.
  • Avoiding socks and shoes that fit too tight.
  • Maintaining proper nail care such as cutting them straight across and not keeping them too short.
  • Soaking your feet in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes four times a day.

Contact Us

With so much walking around to be done each day, you should never let a foot issue linger for too long. If you’re concerned with an ingrown toenail. Our team would be happy to help. Dr. Hochstein can determine the extent of the damage being caused by the nail, and create the plan for treatment that will be most beneficial. Contact us today and schedule your appointment now!